Oct 8 - In regard to the "temporarily refrainment from selling Econa products," Kao Corporation would like to express sincerest apologies to any party, including users, consumers, retailers, the related industries, the Consumer Affairs Agency, the Consumer Commission, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Food Safety Commission, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and other related ministries, who were affected or inconvenienced by this situation.
Currently, the issue is under discussion by the Consumer Affairs Agency, the Foods SOS Project and the Consumer Commission. In response to this situation, Kao would like to explain its basic stance on Econa products.
We will establish the measures to our diacylglycerol oil processing that will reduce the level of glycidol fatty acid esters to similar levels found in most common cooking and salad oils. Further, immediately after all related data on products have been prepared with new processing steps, Kao will file a new FOSHU application to the Consumer Affairs Agency for new Econa, aiming at a new start of the brand. In consistent with this action, we submit a revocation notice pertaining to FOSHU approval for current Econa products.
At the same time, Kao will conduct, in earnest, research to clarify the effects of glycidol fatty acid esters, and promptly submit the research data to the Food Safety Commission. Moreover, we will continue to strive in our efforts for providing appropriate information to consumers.
Even though we believe Econa is safe, we sincerely apologize for the concern and inconvenience.